Verona Murphy
Wexford · Independent · Ireland
“As we come to the end of the Dáil term and head into the summer recess, I extend to all Deputies my gratitude for their co-operation. On behalf of all the Members, I thank Elaine Gunn and her large team for their support and hard work.”
“Deputy Malcolm Byrne - to discuss the need for the development of Bunclody Community College, County Wexford. Deputy Marie Sherlock - to discuss the use of periodic payment orders in the courts. Deputy Rory Hearne - to discuss the cessation of the financial contribution scheme in Dublin North-West.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputies Ciarán Ahern, Seán Crowe, Paul Murphy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, James Geoghegan and John Lahart - to discuss the feasibility of continuing MetroLink from the city to south-west D…”
“Agus téarma reatha na Dála ag teacht chun críche, agus sinn ag díriú ar thús an tsamhraidh, táim buíoch do gach Teachta as a gcomhoibriú. Thar ceann na Comhaltaí go léir, gabhaim buíochas le Elaine Gunn agus lena foireann as a dtacaíocht agus an obair mhór a rinne siad.”
“I welcome our special visitors to the Public Gallery. We are joined by members of the family of the late Jennie Poole, in whose memory this Bill is named: her brother, Jason Poole; her parents, Jackie and Joe; her siblings, David and Clare; and her precious children, Nevaeh and Zack.”
“That was the final Taoiseach’s questions until we come back in September. I thank the Taoiseach for his co-operation with all the Members. I wish him a very successful recess, particularly as he will be very busy with EU Presidency business and his normal business.”
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“The Select Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2025: Vote 33 - Culture, Communications and Sport. The Select Committee on Children and Equality has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2025: Vote 40 - Children, Disability and Equality.”
“Before I call the Minister to open the debate, I remind Members that there are two separate motions being debated, namely, Financial Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. They will be moved separately but will be debated together and decided by separate questions. I call the Tánaiste to move the first motion and open the debate.”
“Before we move to Leaders' Questions, I wish to announce for the information of the House that I received a letter of resignation on 21 November from Paschal Donohoe as a Member of Dáil Éireann for the constituency of Dublin Central. In accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 230, the resignation took effect upon receipt of the letter.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Jennifer Whitmore, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Naoise Ó Muirí, Dessie Ellis and Malcolm Byrne have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss issues with reliability and punctuality of Cork city's bus service. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the urgent need for investment in Carrignavar wastewater treatment plant. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss plans for investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in Dunboyne, County Meath. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the escalating arson attacks on playgrounds and public facilities in north Dublin. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the closure of the NCSE Parents Notify portal for children requiring special class-special school placements. Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss the Luas Finglas extension. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the Luas extension to Poolbeg.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the impact of the changes to BusConnects routes in Dublin South-West. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss the proposed construction of a waste incinerator in Ringaskiddy, Cork Harbour, County Cork. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the difficulties facing Wicklow and Wexford commuters. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss access to a remediation and compensation scheme for homes built with defective block in Skerries. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss unsafe lead levels in Phibsboro's drinking water. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the financial crisis at Darver National School, County Louth.”
“The height of the mirror on a standard HGV or bus carrying schoolchildren or passengers, which we are trying to encourage, is approximately double that. That is what needs to be considered within the time period of the six months where hedge cutting is allowed. If we are to be serious about tackling the issue of saving lives on our roads, we need to review that. It is not an issue for Wexford County Council because it seems to be able to buck the trend and we have infrastructure where it goes above that. Primarily it comes down to money, and no amount of money will save lives unless we use it wisely. I thank everybody for their contributions.”
“It would be remiss of me, particularly given my former role - and this is not in any way to remove my impartiality - not to mention the debate on hedge cutting as referenced by both the Minister of State and Deputy Fitzmaurice. The six-month rule is there. There is also the provision for hedge cutting to be requested at the council level where there is a danger. I do not know of any instance where it is not granted. However, this week five young people have been killed - and I am not making any statement regarding the circumstances of those deaths – needless to say, on our roads. The bigger provision with regard to hedge cutting is that every council in the country is only paying for two swards.”
“Deputy Doherty missed his speaking slot due to a conflict with a committee meeting. I propose that he would take his four minutes with the agreement of Members. It will not put anybody out. It is the four minutes that we are ahead. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“Before I move forward, this is not a reprimand to Deputy Cullinane in any way but I ask Deputies to be mindful when we mention children's names as to the consequences or a request to have that deleted from the record. That is all. I am sure everybody is well aware but this is just a reminder.”
“That concludes our contributions from speakers, so we will move to questions and answers. I call Deputy Ó Laoghaire. We have a 20-minute slot, so I ask him to be as concise as possible. I will be as fair as possible.”
“The Select Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimates for Public Services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2025: Votes 37 and 42.”
“I will just pause the clock for a minute. We have only eight minutes left in this session and we cannot go over time, I am afraid. I do not have that discretion for Taoiseach's Questions. I will have to limit each Member's contribution to 30 seconds give the Taoiseach an opportunity to respond.”
“I thank the Taoiseach. We will move to the next questions, which is the grouping of Question Nos. 17 to 31, inclusive, to ask the Taoiseach for a report on the work of the shared island unit. We have 17 minutes and 14 seconds left.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I appreciate that yesterday's proceedings overtook us and we did not get to pay our due respects. What the Deputy said goes for us all. I thank him. I call on Deputy Conor D. McGuinness.”
“I welcome the delegation in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery to the House, including the speaker of the People's Republic of China. I ask my colleagues to extend a warm welcome - a céad míle fáilte - to our guests from the National People's Congress who are here on a benchmarking visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas. The delegation is accompanied by the Ambassador of China to Ireland, H. E. Mr. Zhao Xiyuan.”
“Before I call on the leader of the Labour Party, I welcome a German delegation, including political advisers, from the embassy. They are all very welcome. Everybody in the Gallery is very welcome. Staying on time, I call on Deputy Ivana Bacik.”
“Before we move to the next speaker, it would be remiss of us not to welcome the Icelandic speaker, Ms Þórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, and her delegation from the Althing. They are very welcome. They have spent two days here in Ireland.”
“Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the closure of the NCSE parents notify portal for children requiring special class or special school placements. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss the urgent need for additional SNA support at Scoil Cholmcille, Skryne, County Meath. The matters raised by Deputies Carol Nolan, Darren O'Rourke, Naoise Ó Cearúil, Rory Hearne and Colm Burke have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss provision of an integrated homeless health hub in Cork city. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the requirement for a drive through test lane in light-vehicle CVRT centres. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the impact of defective blocks. Deputy Matt Carthy - To discuss the timeframe for delivery of a permanent special school in County Monaghan. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the issuing of protective notice to staff at the CCTV monitoring centre at Moyross, Limerick. Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss residential waiting lists and funding for St. Michael's House, Dublin 9 Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the impact of the changes to BusConnects routes in Dublin South-West.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Carol Nolan - Contract work delays for St. Brendan's Community School, Birr. Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss the building blocks grant and how it can be enhanced. Deputy Mark Wall - To discuss the petition to provide an hourly train service for the Athy to Dublin Heuston train line. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the health, safety and welfare issues arising at a school in Cabra. Deputy Michael Collins - To discuss ongoing service outages from Irish Water affecting Adrigole and Bantry. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss lack of critical infrastructure and investment in Kildare North.”
“I must now deal with a deferred division relating to the ministerial amendment to the Second Reading motion on the Education (Affordable School Uniforms Bill) 2025. On the question, "That the amendment to the motion be made", a division was claimed, and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“There are three Deputies left. We are out of time. This is what happens when we go over time. I do not do it for fun. I will take the Deputies but I would like everyone to bear it in mind for the future. I call Deputy Aidan Farrelly and ask him to be as brief as he can.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity, and I am sure Members will join me, in extending condolences on the death of Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy yesterday. We all know what an extraordinary impact Sr. Stan had on Irish society. She led a life dedicated to the service of those in need. I offer my condolences to her family on behalf of Members and many friends. Thank you.”
“President-elect Connolly is the first sitting TD since Erskine Childers in 1973 to be elected Uachtarán na hÉireann. On behalf of the House, I wish the President-elect every success in her new role as Uachtarán. Guím gach rath uirthi.”
“Before we proceed to Leaders' Questions, I have a short announcement to make to the House. It is the first time since 1973 that a sitting TD has successfully contested a presidential election and it is the first time in the history of our Constitution that a sitting female TD has successfully contested a presidential election. In accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, I have received formal communication from the Presidential Returning Officer confirming to me that he had, on 25 October, declared Catherine Connolly to be elected President of Ireland. Members are also advised that, pursuant to Article 12.6 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the President-elect ceased to be a Member of the Dáil on her election and a vacancy now exists in the constituency of Galway West, to be filled in accordance with law.”
“It is not normal for me to comment but I too would like to endorse vintage clubs. I attended a charity vintage run on Sunday where there were 638 vehicles. That is a huge offering in respect of a charitable contribution to any community, so well done, particularly to the clubs in Wexford.”
“Before we proceed to Leaders' Questions, I would like Deputies to join me in welcoming our distinguished visitors. I ask Members to extend a warm céad míle fáilte to my counterpart from the Finnish Parliament, His Excellency, Speaker Halla-aho, who is here on an official visit. Speaker Halla-aho, it is an absolute honour to have you here alongside your country's ambassador.”
“I must now deal with the deferred division relating to the ministerial amendment to the Second Reading of the Education (Amendment) Bill 2024. Last Thursday, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be made", a division was claimed, and that division must now be taken.”
“Before the Minister concludes, I welcome our guests from America but, particularly, Ms Ellen O'Connor, who has been studying here and who graduated on Monday. Congratulations. I call the Minister to conclude the debate.”
“Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - to discuss the wage subsidy scheme and the impact on organisations employing more than one person. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - to discuss the urgent need for additional SNA support at Scoil Cholmcille, Skryne, County Meath Deputy John Connolly - to discuss the costs associated with the ongoing redevelopment works at Ceannt Station. The matters raised by Deputies Robert O'Donoghue, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane Moynihan, Colm Burke and Barry Ward have been selected for discussion.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Michael Cahill - to discuss progression of the Killarney bypass. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - to discuss school transport issues in Cork North-Central, Dublin Fingal, Kildare South and Louth. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - to discuss the location for an FAI centre of excellence in Cork. Deputy Shane Moynihan - to discuss why full carer's allowance is not maintained during maternity leave. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - to discuss special education classes in Wicklow. Deputy Barry Ward - to discuss the progression of the Sutton to Sandycove, S2S, cycleway. Deputy Colm Burke - to discuss a shingles vaccination programme for people over 65 and-or immunocompromised.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding the defective concrete redress scheme. On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, on the question, "That the amendment to the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and, in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“-----that I have asked Deputies to have respect for the salient ruling. You are not doing either candidate any favours. Let us abide by the ruling. Thank you. I move now to the Minister, Deputy Browne.”
“Before I move to Questions on Policy or Legislation, I welcome to the Gallery a very prominent group of students from Coláiste Naomh Cormac in Kilcormac, County Offaly. The group recently reached the Gael Linn all-Ireland final in Irish debating. You are very welcome. Deputy Clendennen has them visiting.”
“There is a salient ruling of the House. I ask Deputies on both sides to respect it. There will be no mention of the Presidential election. We have agreed under salient rulings that the President's office is above debate. That includes nominees or mentioning the election. Both sides of the House, please respect the salient ruling. I call the Taoiseach.”
“Before we take Leaders' Questions, it is not the norm but I ask that we welcome our visitors in the Visitors Gallery and the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, in particular Ciaran Staunton from the US and Karen McHugh, who are advocating for returning Irish emigrants, and Claregalway active retirement - welcome, ladies. I extend a very special welcome to our new Australian ambassador. Ambassador, you are very welcome. I hope you all enjoy the sitting.”
“It is rather disrespectful to disregard a ruling of the Chair, a ruling that is made to safeguard all candidates and the office of the President. You could have referenced your comments without naming anybody if you wished to do that. It is a disregard of the ruling of the Chair. All I ask is for some respect.”
“Thank you, Deputy. Before I move to the next group, I ask all Deputies to be aware the office of President is beyond political debate; therefore, so are the candidates running in the upcoming election. I want everybody on both sides of the House to respect that. There is no mention of candidates or the President in this House; they are above political debate. Thank you. That is for everybody in the House.”
“Before I call Deputy Rice, I welcome our visitors in the Visitors Gallery. I give a special welcome to Mrs. Hearne, mother of Deputy Rory Hearne, and his three beautiful children Aisling, Keelan and Erin. They are most welcome to see their daddy introduce legislation. Well done and I wish everybody a good afternoon.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to the motion regarding insurance costs. On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, on the question, "That the motion be agreed to", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“I must now deal with a postponed division relating to Second Stage of the Industrial Relations (Boycott of Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2025, taken on Thursday 25 September 2025. On the question, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time", a division was claimed and in accordance with Standing Order 85(2), that division must be taken now.”
“McGuinness - To discuss the development of a youth mental health centre for the south-east. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the north Kerry CAMHS review. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the crisis in youth services in the north inner city. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss vacancy and dereliction in city, town and village centres. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the 23% rise in thefts in Cork city in the second quarter of this year. The matters raised by Deputies McGreehan, Quinlivan, O'Hara and Kerrane, and Farrelly have been selected for discussion”
“Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss the need to review the protocol in dealing with suspected victims of a drink spiking incident. Deputy Paula Butterly - To discuss the rule that prevents widows, widowers and surviving civil partners from receiving illness benefit. Deputy Eoghan Kenny - To discuss the roll-out and funding of DEIS plus. Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss the issue of two-tier access to treatments and therapies. Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the case of a school in Rathfarnham, and the need to reduce class sizes. Deputies Louis O'Hara and Claire Kerrane - To discuss maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the ongoing crisis in capacity at University Hospital Limerick. Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Paula Butterly - To discuss the NCSE SNA review process and the 2025-26 allocation guidelines. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss the new guidelines for SNA reviews in 2025-26. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss amending the national planning framework and sustainable rural housing guidelines. Deputy John Connolly - To discuss the proposal to close the salmon hatchery at Cong, Lough Corrib. Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss the impact of bovine TB on farmers. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss the decision to not increase the SNA allocation for a school in County Kildare. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs.”
“No, I have called nine Deputies. I will call Deputy Murphy on the next group of questions. If the Taoiseach will allow me the liberty, I acknowledge that the Mexican ambassador, Her Excellency Carolina Zaragoza Flores, has joined us in the Gallery. The ambassador is retiring today. I take the opportunity to thank her for her sterling body of work. Her husband, José, is with her. I thank the ambassador for her kindness to me during her tenure and I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
“I understand Deputy Paul Murphy, in accordance with Standing Order 187, intends to move the referral to committee of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021. I understand it is proposed to refer this Bill to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I ask Members to join me in extending a warm céad míle fáilte, welcome, to my counterpart from the Latvian Parliament, Her Excellency, Speaker Mieria, and her delegation, who arrived yesterday morning on an official visit. Her Excellency has a very busy schedule of engagements. This afternoon, she and her delegation will meet members of the European union affairs, defence, and foreign affairs committees. Madam Speaker, and your delegation, it is an honour to have you with us today. You are welcome.”
“Julie is joined today by her family: her two children, Miranda and Dan; their partners, Ed and Lorraine; her lovely grandchildren, Ruby, Lily, Teddy and George; and her brother and sister, Eamon and Deirdre. I know Julie's partner Brendan was hoping to attend so I hope he has made it. Hands up if he is with you. He is not here yet. Julie, from all of us here and on behalf of all of us who are missing, I would like to say wholeheartedly a massive thank you for your service. You are a treasure and everybody wishes you the very best. Under Standing Order 38, we will now proceed with Leaders' Questions. I call Deputy McDonald.”
“Before proceeding, I would like to read a short note to welcome Julie Lyons and her family to the Gallery. I would like to take a moment of colleagues' time and ask them to join me in saying farewell to Julie, a friend of ours. Julie is retiring on Friday after 34 years in the Houses of the Oireachtas. We all know Julie as our amazing head chef, the woman who keeps the kitchen going and our tummies full. Julie has been with us since 1991, starting as a chef de partie , before being promoted to second head chef in 2020 and finally becoming the first female head chef in the Houses of the Oireachtas in 2023. Julie has many a story to tell of her time here, dealing with eight cinn comhairle and nine taoisigh. We will have to wait for the book.”